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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Finance
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About the job
Job summary
Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people’s day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
As part of Defra Corporate Services, finance deliver accounting and financial services across the Defra group. We are looking for someone to assist with the preparation of Annual Report and Accounts (ARA), including related guidance and recommendations on accounting issues and the introduction of new standards. You will use your technical finance expertise to help deliver audited financial accounts to statutory deadlines.
Job description
Your role will be supporting the delivery of an efficient, effective and high-quality professional service meeting all financial reporting requirements. You will be involved with delivering core financial controls, providing technical accounting advice and supporting the production of annual report and accounts for one of Defras bodies.
Key responsibilities will include but not be limited to: –
You will be responsible for:
- Provision of technical accounting advice: Being subject matter experts on the requirements of the Financial Reporting Manual and the application of accounting standards.
- Assist with the monthly accounting process, reviewing reconciliations throughout the year to maintain financial control.
- Preparing the interim and year-end financial statements ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, public sector accounting requirements (HM Government Financial Reporting Manual (FReM)) and International Financial Reporting Standards.
- Liaising with internal and external auditors and developing a plan for finance staff to meet the requirements of the National Audit Office.
Person specification
Essential Experience and Skills:-
- Sound knowledge of latest accounting standards (IFRS experience and FReM knowledge preferred) and ability to understand complex financial reporting issues.
- Experience working in a financial accounting role, including the compilation of accurate annual accounts and financial controls.
- Proven ability to communicate matters to a non-financial audience.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders.
- Highly organised and able to plan, adapt and manage a broad portfolio of activities.
- Resilience in challenging circumstances: ability to work under pressure, remaining calm but decisive.
- Experience supporting the external audit process.
- Experience of finance systems and processes.
Qualifications
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Benefits
£10,069 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Blended Working
Defra operates a blended working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.
Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs. There is flexibility to split the working week, spending minimum of 40-60% in the workplace, unless exceptional circumstances apply and/or you are a contractual home worker.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application
Please submit your CV demonstrating how you meet the criteria above with a 250-word statement which should detail your experience and suitability for the role.
Sift
Sift will be performed on CV and personal statement
Interview
Candidate successful at sift stage will be invited to a video assessment/interview (1 hour 20 mins) that will consist of a blended interview of Behaviours and Strengths and one other exercise (presentation exercise or experience questions).
Sift – week commencing 20th November 2023
Interview – 27th and 28th November 2023
Location
Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Internal (core Defra) employees can apply for this role and choose to remain in their current location or to be based in one of the advertised locations.
All other applicants will be based in one of the advertised locations. Candidates will need to state their location preference on the application form.
If you are successful in your application and your base working location is London, please be aware that Defras Nobel House Office at 17 Smith Square, London will be closing in December 2023.
This means that Defra new joiners will be located alongside existing colleagues in offices a short distance away from Nobel House in our other office at 2 Marsham St, London.
To work from 2 Marsham Street, you will require the higher level of CTC clearance. Therefore, confirmation of appointment to the advertised post will be dependent upon successful CTC clearance being confirmed as part of pre-employment checks.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
Higher Security Clearance
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter
All of these posts require the successful candidate to hold basic security clearance. Candidates posted to London may be subject to a higher level of clearance because of the security requirements for that location. Job offers to these posts are made on the basis of merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Emma Bryan
- Email : emma.bryan@hays.com
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
